mental health

Reducing Feelings of Stress in Your Day to Day Life

March 4, 2020 By lyndsinreallife 1 Comment

We all feel stress from time to time. It’s a natural response to potentially dangerous or threatening situations or experiences. However, problems arise when you experience stress all of the time or on a regular basis. Not only can it make you feel uncomfortable, but it can have a detrimental and long term impact on both your physical and mental wellbeing. Here are just a few different ways you can reduce feelings of stress in your day to day life!

See a Therapist

If you feel you may be suffering from anxiety or stress as a side effect of another mental health condition, it’s important that you reach out to a therapist, who will be able to diagnose you and provide you with relevant treatment (therapists often can not prescribe medication, just fyi). If you feel stressed for any reason, therapy can still be good for you. Really, therapy is good for anyone and everyone! A psychiatrist is different from a therapist. A psychiatrist is a medical specialist who can help to get you on a better path to happiness, contentment, and improved overall wellbeing, usually through the use of medication.

Seek Other Support

If you’re reluctant to reach out for professional help straight away, there are other sources of support out there. This can include support groups and helplines, where you can speak to others who have had similar experiences and can guide you on your journey towards feeling better. It can also help to talk to family or friends you can trust and who can support you. As the saying goes, a problem shared is a problem halved.

Keeping a Journal

Keeping a journal is a private version of talking therapy. It gives you a space where you can organize your thoughts and really get to grips with how you’re feeling. If you put all of your problems on paper, you may find it easier to resolve them in an organized and thought out manner. Keeping a journal is also a good way of tracking your mood over time. You can see how things have progressed and this can also help to identify key points where you’re feeling stressed.

Trying CBD

CBD can have positive effects on your body in regards to lifting your mood and alleviating feelings of stress or anxiety. It is a natural product, sourced from the hemp plant. It actively alters your serotonin levels without intoxicating you. For more information, visit PearlCBD.

Avoid Procrastination

Now, this step is definitely easier said than done. But chances are, if you’re stressed or anxious about something, you will put it off. This is a standard response to stressful situations or circumstances – you want to avoid them at all costs. But the truth is, when you put off these situations, they simply cause you further stress. They won’t go away until you face them head on. If you’re putting off work, you’ll just become increasingly stressed knowing that your deadline is looming closer and closer. If you’re putting off an awkward conversation, your unhappiness will simply grow until you face it. Avoid procrastination at all costs!

These are just a few simple changes you can implement into your lifestyle to make it a little more stress free. Try them out! They could really help you.

What helps you to de-stress?

Thank you for reading!

Health

Steps to Safeguarding Your Health

February 27, 2020 By lyndsinreallife 1 Comment

These days we are all tending to live longer, and through medical breakthroughs and advances in technology, we aren’t getting as sick as we may have in the past. We tend to have better places to live, access to good food, clean water, and have a support system around us. All of which can go a long way to helping us to really thrive. However, with an increased life expectancy comes some more challenges to us, and as a result, we need to take charge a lot more and take on some responsibility for our health.

We have so much going on in life, from our family life, social commitments, work, and other responsibilities, that we can put our health on the back burner. It might not seem as urgent as cleaning the house, meeting a deadline, or getting the kids lunches packed, but it can mean that we don’t take action or make changes until it is too late. So as a result, we need to make sure that we are taking some steps to safeguard our health and do all that we can to make sure that we are looking after ourselves and improving our health and well-being.

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Have regular checkups

If you want to look after yourself and look after your health, then looking at it in a preventive way is one of the best things that you can do. Conditions like cancer, diabetes, and hearing problems can be spotted early and dealt with, as long as you are having the right kind of check-ups and are going to these appointments regularly. See your doctor about the check-ups that you will need to have, as well as getting help to fix your hearing aids or get your eyes checked, with the right professional. Leave things too late in a lot of cases, and the damage has already been done.

Monitor mental health

In the day and age we live in, it is great that there is a much more open conversation about mental health. The good news is that being open and talking about it can help you to feel better, or to help you to get the help that you need. If you are feeling stressed, anxious, or depressed, and feel those ways in a pretty much constant state, then it will be wreaking havoc on your health in a variety of other ways. It could lead to you feeling exhausted, irritable, sad, lonely, and stop you from being active or eating well. So keep an eye on things, and make sure that you reach out if you are feeling low. There are some things you can do to help yourself too, take a look at meditation apps, learn about mindfulness or check out this Neckrelax Review to see if this is something that could be right for you.

Keep your brain active

Keeping your brain active is something that is good at any age really. But as we get older, our brain function can quite rapidly decline if we let it. There are some aspects of genetics that are out of our control, however we can do things to help. Reading regularly, staying active, doing puzzles, and taking up hobbies are all good ideas to help your brain to stay active and focused.

•How do you safeguard your health?

Thank you for reading!

Health Lifestyle

Top Tips For A Happier 2020

February 19, 2020 By lyndsinreallife 1 Comment

Sitting down and making those painstakingly difficult New Year’s Resolution Lists, that last a matter of days, sometimes only hours…is not something we relish. It’s good to make lists; we can’t deny that list-making and being proactive and organized is the key to a healthy mind and less stress. However, when it comes to making changes, it can be a little trickier to muster up the strength. Here are some tips of how to make a positive change in the New Year, because I do believe that we all endeavor to make at least the first few months of any New Year, a positive, life-changing, goal-making, dream-creating one. Mostly. Right?

Photo: Pixabay

Get Out More

Another way to get out and about would be to take an hour off on the weekend with a friend or family member, and go swimming or play your favorite sport. You’ll be amazed how good sports are as a bonding session with your friends and family (hello sand volleyball)!

Getting out doesn’t necessarily mean going out socializing every night, burning the candles at both ends, and spending an exorbitant amount of money that you don’t have, just to say ‘you’ve been out.’ While socializing is a very important part of keeping a healthy mind and attitude towards life, there are ways of doing it without breaking the bank after Christmas. Inviting some friends round, having/cooking dinner together, and catching up… it can be difficult to find energy for that if you work 9-5.

If you work from home, try taking a long walk in your area before you sit down to work; it gets the blood going, gives you a little bit of energy, and releases endorphins: and then you’re engaged in your body and mind, ready for the day! If you are struggling with anxiety, it could be good to look for a therapist and they can assist you with getting out and about.

Planning Ahead

Keeping a planner is essential anyway, especially for someone who has a million errands to run week by week and is trying to juggle a social life, possibly a relationship, and maybe even children all in one. However, planning ahead is one sure way to make you feel more positive in the moment. If you plan a nice evening meal a few weeks in advance, maybe even a break to the city or even just a shopping trip; you always have little things in the pipeline to look forward to, which I find has always kept a healthy happy mind. The feeling of excitement is my absolute favorite! Being spontaneous is also incredible but for people who find their lives to be mundane, especially after the comedown of the Christmas period, then making sure you get things down on your calendar in advance can be a little trick to keep you feeling higher and not lower. We all have those moments of panic, freak out, mental breakdown, and feeling as if life is taking a nosedive. It’s not. You can always elevate yourself somehow, and remember of course, you are never alone!

Be Thoughtful

Doing a little good deed can make you feel on top of the world. This does not have to include money, and sometimes, it may not even need much time, but being thoughtful to others, and spreading a little bit of joy, and a touch of sparkle into someone’s life can be fulfilling. Little things, such as leaving sweet, kind post-its on your colleagues’ desks, or sending someone a text whom you haven’t spoken to in a while, or even an e-card through email, just to make someone smile when they open it, are all simple, yet impactful gestures. You could smile at strangers (I always do- is it a Midwest thing?), give a bit of spare change to a homeless person, even a few quarters or dollars, look for some bargains in the charity shops and support a good cause (NOT Goodwill), or even just compliment a stranger. Everyone loves a good compliment! Striving to be content is vital, and it all comes from within yourself.

•How do you take care of your mental and emotional health? What do you want to improve in 2020?

Thank you for reading!

Health

The Best Ways to Reduce Anxious Feelings

February 8, 2020 By lyndsinreallife Leave a Comment

Life can’t always be a metaphorical sunny stroll in the park; no matter where you come from, how much you earn, or how successful you are, there will be low moments. And studies have shown that low moments, especially those related to mental health conditions, are on the rise. Anxiety, to name just one example, is perhaps more common today than at any other period of history. While we all experience a few anxious nerves from time to time, if it’s beginning to influence your everyday life, then it’s important that you take steps to reduce those feelings. We take a look at a few ways to do this below.

Pexels – CC0 Licence

Calm Your Mind

There are some tried and tested methods for calming your mind that have been shown to have a profoundly positive impact on anxiety. Perhaps the best method of all is meditation — this is the process of sitting still, counting your breaths, and waiting for the magic to happen. If it sounds simple, that’s because it is. Yet the simple process brings big rewards. You might notice the effects on the first day, but no worries if you don’t — things will be happening under the surface, and sooner rather than later you’ll find that you’re feeling calmer and happier.

In the Outdoors

We’ve normalized life in the city, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s normal. In terms of our biological makeup, it might be wrong. Now, no-one’s suggesting that you should pack up your belongings and move to the woods, but it is important that you get your fill of nature time. Studies have shown that simply surrounding yourself with natural life can have a hugely positive impact on your anxiety levels, so be sure to build some nature time into your schedule, even if it’s just for an hour or two a week.

Tried and Tested Products

You don’t have to go through your battle with anxiety all alone. There are plenty of products and foods that can help, too. For example, did you know that there are scents that can put you into a more relaxed state of mind? It’s true, so look at investing in an essential oil diffuser, and stock up on your favorites. You can mix anxiety-reducing foods with CBD isolate, available from CBD Flower Isolate, too. Dark chocolate, pumpkin seeds, fatty fish, and Brazil nuts have all been shown to have a positive effect on anxiety, for example.

Limit the Triggers

It’s also recommended that you take a look at your lifestyle, and see if you’re doing anything that might induce anxiety. Smoking cigarettes, drinking alcohol, and having an overly sedentary lifestyle, for example, can all bring about feelings of anxiety. Cut down on these things, and you might just find that the number of anxious moments you experience begins to reduce.

Take a Walk

Finally, put faith in the trusty walk around the block! It helps clear your head and calms you down. You will most likely feel better afterward!

Thank you for reading!

This post was a collaboration.

Health Holistic Living

Become A Hippy Health Lover

August 5, 2019 By lyndsinreallife Leave a Comment

A hippy health lover is not (necessarily) someone with dreadlocks and incense burners (though, they might be and that’s cool!). It’s someone who believes in all of the alternative methods to keep in check with your health, rather than putting pill after pill into your body that’s prescribed by the traditional, western doctors. Some of you will be very suspicious of alternative medicine; not knowing what the government and the health institutes are really putting into our bodies. Some of you will simply not like all of the chemicals that go with western medicine, so maybe you are ready to try some alternative methods. Well, alternative is exactly what we’ve got for you today, because we know how important health is. There seems to be many new health problems arising every minute, from mental health to physical health, and if we don’t start focusing on the issues at hand now, they’re only going to keep growing. So keep on reading, and let us show you how you can become a ”hippy health lover.”

Image Source

Alternatives To Pain Relief

When it comes to medicines that we’re putting into our bodies, pain relief is up there with one of the things that we’re shoveling in the most. For one reason or another, so many of us are dealing with daily aches and pains that are hard to get rid of, and you may not want to be putting anti-inflammatories and whatever else into your body to get rid of it, every single day. You could to start thinking about the alternative methods that are sweeping the world and revolutionising it all. CBD oil is one of those, and it’s proving far more effective, and far less destructive, than any normal pain relief is. CBDOlja is just one company that can provide you with the goods, but don’t worry, you won’t be getting stoned off it. This has the THC element stripped, meaning you don’t get high, but you get all of the good health benefits. After a week of using this, we know that you’ll notice a massive difference in the pain you are experiencing.

I take CBD oil every day, multiple times a day. I experience inflammation (especially when it’s humid!), and now I’m recovering from neck surgery. Opioids are highly addictive, so I wanted an alternative to those pain pills. I’ve been taking CBD oil and it’s helped alleviate the pain tremendously! The brand I use is called Charlotte’s Web (affiliate link). It’s third-party tested, grown/sourced in the USA, and has been around for longer than most other oils on the market.

source: ***https://www.charlottesweb.com/extra-strength-cbd-oil***

Go Organic

source:***https://image.shutterstock.com/z/stock-photo-organic-fruits-and-vegetables-growing-in-compost-1059882158.jpg***

If you think about all of the foods that you’re eating in a day, and if you actually look at the contents of any packaged foods, you’ll see that there are many different types of preservatives and additives thrown in there, that are not naturally needed by the body. By going organic, you’re cutting out all of this trash that’s incredibly hard to digest by the body (if at all), and you’ll be turning your body into an oasis. By organic, we mean sticking to fruits and vegetables and lean meats, and trying to stay away from anything that has been packaged, processed, or treated with pesticides, growth hormones, or additives. It is generally easy to cut that crap out of your diet and go organic, you just have to try it for a few weeks, and we promise your digestive system, in particular, will help.

A State Of Mind

Mental health is one of the issues that’s on the rise right now. Depression and anxiety are amongst the biggest conditions that are increasing (especially in teens). It’s now more important than ever to get into the right state of mind. Focus on relaxation and happiness, and maybe think about taking up yoga or meditation. If you tend to focus on your stresses in life, rather than trying to get rid of them, unfortunately it’ll be easier to experience negative mental health (I’ll admit, I struggle with this daily). I have multiple mental health conditions, and while many need medication, like I stated above, I prefer to try alternative methods. Treatments are different for every single person, and I am only speaking to what works for me (*I am not a doctor and do not diagnose, treat, or cure any conditions).

These are only a few recommendations I have, based on my own experiences. They may not work for everyone, and I am in no way telling anyone to change their medication. Always speak to your doctor before changing your health routines!

•Do you prefer traditional medicine or alternative medicine? Do you prefer a mixture of both?

•What do you do the calm your daily stresses? Do you agree with the ones we shared about?

Comment below!

This post was a collaboration. Some links contain affiliate links, meaning I receive monetary compensation if someone orders through that link, at no extra cost to the consumer.

Thank you for reading!

Health

4 Jobs That Affect Your Health

June 26, 2019 By lyndsinreallife Leave a Comment

There is something wonderful about knowing that you have a stable career on which to rely. The thing is, the more time moves forward, the more we work hard enough to burn ourselves out daily. When this happens, it means that the wonderful career that we think that we have isn’t all that wonderful. There are plenty of jobs out there that will hurt your health, even if you don’t know about it.

Image Source

Every profession has its own health risks, but there are some more than others that take a toll on behavior. Some jobs are categorized as being suitable for you; others are known to make you feel more vulnerable and influence your health negatively. Below, we’ve narrowed down a long list into four jobs that are the worst possible ones for your health. If any of these jobs are those that are bad for your health and you are working in them, we’d suggest a career change if possible!

Sales Representative

When you are working as a sales rep, you’re working a role that is both mentally and physically demanding. The hours are long, the work environment is competitive, and you aren’t always paid for the work that you do, which causes the perfect blend of stress and fatigue. You need to feel like you can work and thrive, not work and survive, and sales reps often have the most stressful work out there to do.

Firefighter

All the helmets and hearing protection in the world cannot protect you from the disturbing things seen on the job a firefighter. There is a high risk of injury and illness for obvious reasons, and emergency responders are living a life on the edge. More firefighters die of heart attacks than being on the job, and it’s the stress that leads to this. High blood pressure and cholesterol lead to a harder day at work.

Lawyers

There have been studies that show that lawyers have the highest rate of alcohol abuse and stress than most other office-based careers. Being in front of others and fighting for justice is not a 9-5 position; it’s a cutthroat environment for anyone to be in, and it can correlate strongly with the lack of health overall. Stress begins in law school for a lawyer, and it’s not something that lets up for many years on the job.

Long-Distance Drivers

Being on the road? Not as easy as just sitting and ensuring there isn’t a car crash. The transportation industry covers a lot of careers, but long-distance drivers have it the hardest. They need to keep up a constant level of being awake, and the low salary mixed with an increase in danger is a recipe for stress and poor health.

Finding a job that makes you happy is also about finding a job that won’t make you sick. Find the career that will be right for you, and it will be far easier to live a healthier life.

This post was a collaboration.

Thank you for reading!

xo lynds

Archie Health

In Praise of Pets; Why They’re Good for Your Health

March 4, 2019 By lyndsinreallife Leave a Comment

We are a nation of animal lovers and really, who can resist that cute little puppy face or that little kitten that wants to walk all over your keyboard when you’re working? But having a pet isn’t just about the cute factor; there is plenty of science out there that shows having a furry friend in your life gives you more than just great photos to put on Instagram.

Image courtesy of Pexels

In the hustle and bustle of our younger years, we barely get a moment to ourselves in between working, socializing, relationships, and maybe even raising a family. But as we get a little older, we realize that even in the midst of all that, it can be possible to feel loneliness. This has certainly become a modern day scourge among the older age groups. Companionship from a pet can go a long way in alleviating some of those feelings, and while it’s important to seek help if you’re feeling particularly isolated and depressed, having a loyal friend to absorb some of that loneliness can provide a real comfort for so many of us.

Pets provide more than just a fuzzy feeling, they are scientifically proven to show significant improvements to mental health, even among people suffering with more severe symptoms. Many hospitals across the world have incorporated pet visits and therapy on wards including medical oncology, and of course, children’s wards. The results are conclusive: patients with exposed access to animals feel better mentally, which has a knock-on effect to their recovery time.

[my Archie]

So, if you’re thinking of getting a pet, you can feel assured that you’re not just getting a cuddly companion, you’re getting access to great health and mental wellbeing therapy. For dog owners, in particular, the benefits don’t just stop there. With a canine, you will have no choice but to get out there in the fresh air with your pupper, rain or shine. Your dog needs regular exercise and that can only be of benefit to owners who might otherwise choose the couch over a run around the park.

Research also shows that the benefits of a pet don’t just stem from the furry kind. Even if you’ve opted for reptiles over fur, you’ll gain from having the responsibility of having a living thing rely on you for sustenance and its wellbeing. The fascination of watching snakes, lizards, turtles, and even insects in their own environments is a fascinating distraction from everyday life and well worth investing your time and money into.

Whether you’re a dog, cat, or lizard person, taking on a pet can be quite a responsibility. However, all that money, those trips to the vet, and pet food are worth every penny in the long term. Battling loneliness, forcing you out of the door for a walk, not to mention providing all those Insta moments means pet ownership will give you more than just a warm feeling. Do your research and figure out who’s in line for becoming your new best friend!

I’m partial to the fluffy, poodley kinds 😉

•What are your favorite kinds of pets?

•Do you have any pets?

This post was a collaboration.

Thank you for reading!

Health

Proven Ways To Boost Your Wellbeing in 2019

March 2, 2019 By lyndsinreallife Leave a Comment

Wellbeing is a term that refers to both physical and mental health in a person. When somebody has a great sense of wellbeing, they feel good in most aspects of their life; happy and content as they go about their day to day business. However, not everybody has a naturally high sense of wellbeing. There are things you can do to improve it, though!

Below you’ll find some proven ways to boost your wellbeing in 2019!

Work On Your Sleep Hygiene

Start by working on your sleep hygiene – something that many people neglect to do. Sleep isn’t always the most exciting or glamorous thing that you can be doing, but it’s one of the most important. When we get enough sleep, we’re productive, alert, happier, and even reduce our risk of diseases in the long term. Most adults need around 8 hours a night, but this can vary depending on activity levels and other factors. As a rule, you probably shouldn’t be getting less than 7 hours a night. Pay attention to how you feel – you could even start tracking your sleep with an app or fitness watch.

Spend More Time In ‘The Flow’

Being in the flow is all about losing track of time and only focusing on the thing in front of you. It has been proven that people who spend more time in the flow are happier than those who don’t do it. Find something you enjoy, whether that’s painting, knitting, writing or something completely different. It should be something that helps you to live in the present moment and forget everything else around you.

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Look Into Alternative Therapies

There are alternative therapies that could potentially help you to feel amazing. Reiki is a treatment that works with the body’s energy centres. Sometimes, a therapist may be able to tell when you’re out of alignment, and give you advice. It’s a relaxing treatment, but the therapist doesn’t actually touch you! Then there’s acupuncture, which many people say helps them with all kinds of ailments, such as insomnia and back ache. You might want to look up what is a float tank if you feel like you need to relax more – these tanks can help the user to get into an amazing meditative state. You could even just go for a regular massage if these things sound too strange.

Try Meditation

5 minutes of meditation every day can work wonders for your wellbeing. You don’t need to do it for hours, and you don’t even need to be perfect at it right away. Download an app or use a YouTube videos to get started. Many people find that listening to entrancing music helps them.

Get Active

Find an activity you enjoy and stick to it, whether that’s swimming or using kangoo boots to go running. It should be an enjoyable part of your lifestyle!

Learn Something New

Learning new things means you’re in a healthy growth mindset, which is where we should all be. What have you been thinking about? Maybe you could play an instrument, or take a creative writing course.

Stay Mindful Of Your Thoughts

You have more control over your thoughts than you think. Try to tune into the good ones and switch over when you notice a not so good one.

This post was a collaboration.

Thank you for reading!

Archie Beauty Fitness Lifestyle

Holiday Gift Guide 2016

December 16, 2016 By lyndsinreallife 1 Comment

The holidays are almost here, and if you’re anything like me, you’ve waited until the last 2 weeks to get gifts for your loved ones. I’ve made it simple to shop with my holiday gift guide for 2016!

For Fitness Lovers:

Katie K Active Fitness Outfit.

There are a variety of options, with sizes ranging from S-3X. Katie K Active is all-inclusive, meaning there is something for everyone! Their clothes are also incredibly comfortable and functional. I own at least 5 complete outfits!

Use code LYNDSAY40 at checkout for 40% off your order plus FREE shipping!

For Pet Lovers:

One Fur All Pet Candle. Scent: Holidays Fur All

As any pet lover will know, animals can be very stinky. From the natural scent to urine stains, One Fur All pet candles neutralize the odor with their 100% soy wax. The Holidays Fur All scent is perfect for Christmas time. Imagine what Christmas smells like, and it’s captured perfectly in this candle! These pet candles are the only ones that have been successful in neutralizing the odors in our home. Plus, they burn for 70 hours!

Get free shipping on orders of $45 or more. Plus, right now, you can get a FREE mini candle with a purchase of a regular candle with code MYMINI!

For Friends Needing Happiness and Support:

Caring Crate Monthly Mental Health Box.

Caring Crate is a subscription box that sends you little goodies every month, all designed for wellness! It’s designed for those with mental health and/or chronic illness, plus anyone who needs a little happiness/wellness in their lives.

In one of my boxes, I received a No Worries Journal, locally made blondie bar (from Vancouver, B.C.), relaxing bath salts, and stitch art! They’re all quality, full-size products that are designed to make us feel happier.

Shop 1 month, 3 month, or 6 month subscriptions here, and order now to get the Winter Indulgence Bonus Box!

For Beauty Lovers:

Believe Organics 3 Steps / 3 Giant Steps Skincare Set.

Believe Organics creates all-natural, organic, and vegan beauty/skin care products. I’ve been using them for at least a year! The 3 Step Skincare Set comes with cleansing caviar, clarifying toner, & facial elixir. They come in glass bottles and a reusable linen pouch. Perfect!

Get free shipping on orders over $50 with code believe!

I hope this guide makes holiday shopping a little easier for you! I stand by all these products and your loved ones are sure to love them.

Happy Holidays!

Thank you for reading! Subscribe below:

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Bipolar Disorder

World Bipolar Day 2015 – A Guide To Getting Through Those First Steps

March 30, 2015 By lyndsinreallife 5 Comments

Today (March 30) is World Bipolar Day (WBD). It’s one of my favorite days of the year! Why? Because WBD is 24 hours of spreading awareness and eliminating social stigma of bipolar disorder around the entire world. Why is WBD so important to me? It’s important to me because I was diagnosed with bipolar II disorder seven years ago (although I have been living with it my entire life) and I know first-hand what the other 27 million people worldwide living bipolar disorder are experiencing.

World Bipolar Day is an initiative of the Asian Network of Bipolar Disorder (ANBD), the International Bipolar Foundation (IBPF), and the International Society for Bipolar Disorders (ISBD). It is celebrated each year on March 30th, the birthday of Vincent van Gogh, who was posthumously diagnosed as probably having bipolar disorder. The vision of WBD is to bring world awareness to bipolar disorders and to eliminate social stigma. Through international collaboration, the goal of World Bipolar Day is to bring the world population information about bipolar disorders that will educate and improve sensitivity towards the illness.

**May involve triggers for some.

Last year was the first time I participated in WBP. I shared my story of living with bipolar disorder on my blog. I also recently shared my story of why bipolar disorder has made my life better on StigmaFighters.com. I’m super excited to participate this year as the social media manager of Instagram for the International Bipolar Foundation. It is an honor and a huge pleasure to volunteer with IBPF and to connect with so many amazing individuals through the Instagram account!

I am more than my diagnosis. –Find more photos on IBPF’s Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter!

Below are a few of the steps I took (and feelings I experienced) going from diagnosis to getting help to stability. **Please note: I am not a mental health professional and do not diagnose, treat, or cure any medical conditions. I am simply offering my own opinions based on my personal experience.

| THE DIAGNOSIS |

It can be pretty scary and overwhelming being diagnosed with bipolar disorder (or any mental health condition). If you’re anything like me, you were alone, had no one to talk to, and didn’t really know what the next step was. My entire life changed during a 20 minute evaluation. Truthfully, my life had been that way for as long as I can remember. The mood swings, the anxiety, the hyperactivity, the depression, the self-harm, and mostly, how different I was from all my friends. But once that actual diagnosis came, once it was said out loud, it could never be taken back (no takesie backsies on this one!). It was time for me to figure out my next steps and get the help I needed.

| TELLING YOUR LOVED ONES |

To be honest, I don’t remember telling my family. I don’t remember what I said or their responses. Truthfully, I can’t remember if I ever officially told them. My older brother was diagnosed bipolar II five years before I was, but he did not continue with treatment. I don’t think I was necessarily worried about what my parents would think; I think I just probably forgot. Totally not the best way to go about it, but I was a mess during diagnosis. I regret not formally telling my parents and loved ones. There were many years of frustration, misunderstanding, pain, and helplessness that I now feel could have been prevented by being open, vulnerable, and honest.

If and when you are ready to share your diagnosis with your loved ones, I recommend being open with them. Don’t just talk to them, talk with them- like a conversation almost. Allow them to ask questions, and steer away from becoming defensive. One thing I always have to remember is not to get angry when they don’t understand what I’m saying. That’s going to happen. Remember, not many people know details about bipolar disorder, and even if they do, they generally have absolutely no idea what you are going through. That is not their fault, and no one wants to place blame. If the conversation becomes overwhelming or too stressful, let them know you need to take a break and remove yourself from the room. Share only what you want to share. If there are things you are uncomfortable talking about (i.e. mania can sometimes cause hyper-sexuality), then leave that out. You can always share it later if you choose. However, I recommend sharing the major bullet points so they have a good idea of what to look for and what will happen. Even if you are afraid or nervous, remember that it’s crucial to have that support, and this will help you in the long run.

I also recommend creating a WRAP Plan (Wellness Recovery Action Plan). This plan will help you to identify triggers, early warning signs, etc along with crisis planning and so on. It helps you to better manage your disorder, and it helps loved ones recognize what is happening and what to do next. Find a blank WRAP Plan here.

| GETTING HELP |

Getting help is crucial. In my opinion, it’s absolutely necessary if you want to get better. “Help” does not mean or look the same for everyone. Various ways to receive help are:

psychiatry/medication
therapy
support group
online forums
energy healing
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There are countless other ways to reach stability, but these are ones I’ve personally tried as well as others in the community. I want to add that balanced nutrition and exercise are very important for stability. The physical body is as important as the mind, and vice versa. They are completely intertwined.

| TREATMENT IS DIFFERENT FOR EACH INDIVIDUAL |

Not everyone will follow the same path to stability. Some people refuse to take medication, so they will follow a more holistic approach (energy healing, hypnotherapy, etc). Others might not like talking with someone of “higher authority” and therefore choose to forego therapy. The most important thing to remember is that it truly is different for everyone. I cannot stress this enough. I see people on forums (be wary of the internet; opinions should not be confused with medical professional advice) telling others to never take medication and to replace it with marijuana or herbal remedies (I saw this two days ago). While those may be great options, telling someone to not take medication is unsafe.

Other times, people push medication on others by saying, “Lamictal is bad, you should take Prozac” or whatever. Firstly, “you should” shouldn’t be used at all. It’s rude and wrong to tell someone what they should or should not do. You can offer advice, but not tell someone what they must do. Secondly, each person will have a different reaction to a medication. Our brains are wired differently; none of us are the same. So our medications, therapists, healing will be completely different. For example, I do really well with Lamictal. However, for some, they develop a severe skin rash from Lamictal and cannot take it. Some people (like my brother) can take Celexa and feel better. When I take Celexa, I get nauseous and dizzy.

The point is: find a psychiatrist and a therapist. Form a support group (friends, family, online, community, etc). Work on yourself; learn how to practice self-love and care (I owe most of my stability to this). Explore all options, and if something doesn’t work for you, then move on. I never thought I’d see a hypnotherapist for healing, but now I absolutely love it. Be open, be honest, be vulnerable. It is all a part of the journey.

| STABILITY |

I can happily say that I am stable, and have been since October 2013. I’ve had a few mini depressive episodes, but they only lasted a few days. Usually my episodes last about 8 months. Once you reach stability, remember that it will not stay forever. That sounds negative, but if you’re receiving treatment, it’s okay. For example, I began experiencing severe daily mood swings, along with anger and irritability. I met with my psychiatrist and we determined that I needed to be on a mood stabilizer (I was taking only an anti-depressant, which isn’t the best choice for those with bipolar – can cause mania). I’ve had to adjust my dosages every so often. I currently take Lamictal, Zoloft, Trazodone (for insomnia), and Vyvanse (for ADHD). I see my psychiatrist once a month and my therapist once a week. Together, we are able to recognize when an episode is coming. By doing so, we are able to prevent the episode more easily and effectively.

I see my team of doctors, receive hypnotherapy and energy healing, have a support system of friends, family, and my boyfriend. I have a puppy who I am training to be my bipolar support dog, I practice yoga, I write, I get outside every day, and I take a break when I am stressed. These things as a whole have helped me reach stability.

Find what works for you & embrace it. Embrace your disorder. It will bring you creativity, passion, and empathy on a much higher level. When it becomes almost too much to bare, remember that it will pass.

You are a bipolar warrior. And you are perfect, exactly as you are in this moment.

Have you been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, or any form of mental health condition? What helps you find stability?
What aspects of your disorder do you find positive and wonderful? (Don’t say ‘nothing’.. there has to be SOMEthing!)
What would you change about the steps I provided? What would you add?

Comment below! 🙂

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